ALAN MORRISON FROM HAWORTH SENTENCED FOR GANG RAPE IN BRADFORD AND BRIGHOUSE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Alan Morrison, a 47-year-old man formerly residing in Haworth, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the brutal gang rape of a young girl. The court has mandated that Morrison must serve a minimum of nine years before he becomes eligible for parole, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Prior to this conviction, Morrison was already serving an 18-year sentence for attempted murder. This earlier conviction stemmed from an incident in March 2006, where he shot Frederick Paul Stephens three times—once in the stomach and twice in the leg—beneath the railway arches at Bridge End, Brighouse. The shooting was reportedly motivated by an allegation of sexual abuse made against Mr. Stephens, which led to the violent attack.

The recent sentencing was handed down by Judge Scott Wolstenholme at Leeds Crown Court, who described the crimes as "dreadful offences over a prolonged period in which two very vulnerable children were subjected to sexual abuse in circumstances of a gross breach of trust." Morrison was convicted following a trial at Bradford Crown Court last month, where he was found guilty of raping the girl on two separate occasions between July 2003 and March 2004. Additionally, he was convicted of two counts of gross indecency for making an older girl watch the assaults.

Prosecutor Caroline Wigin highlighted Morrison’s troubling history, revealing that he refused to attend both his trial and sentencing hearing. She also noted that Morrison has a long-standing record of sexual offences, dating back to 1977 and 1988. In 1977, he was convicted in Scotland of sodomy and lewd behavior involving a 13-year-old boy. Eleven years later, in 1988, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of indecent assault against a 13-year-old girl.

Judge Wolstenholme emphasized the danger Morrison poses to the public, stating, "He poses a very serious risk to the public," and warning that the public should not be misled into believing he will be released after nine years. The judge clarified that Morrison would remain incarcerated until he is deemed no longer a threat to society.

Alongside Morrison, other individuals involved in the case received sentences. Kevin Wright, 38, of Portwood Street, Heaton, Bradford, was convicted of the same offences. David Potts, aged 60 from Driffield, East Yorkshire, was found guilty of two rapes. A fourth man, Graham Blowers, who has since passed away, was also implicated in the abuse. The older girl involved in the case recounted to police how the men took turns raping her while the others held her down. Additionally, Julie Ogg, of Bradford, another co-defendant, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for two counts of child cruelty, further underscoring the gravity of this disturbing case.